EastEnders spoilers follow.
EastEnders' Stacey Slater is back where she belongs next week – and she's bringing a bombshell with her.
As we've already revealed, Stacey will leave her estranged husband Martin reeling when she announces her surprise news, and the drama doesn't stop there either.
In real life, Lacey Turner – who plays Stacey – has been on maternity leave after giving birth to her second child. Here, she spills the beans on returning to work – and teases Stacey's shocking new story.
How does it feel to be back?
"It's so great to be back, it's always lovely to come back and see everyone and catch up with what's been happening. It's like coming home for me so it's always very exciting."
Did you manage to keep up with the Fowler/Slater drama while you were away?
"I caught bits of it. It's a little hard with the children as it's on when it’s their bedtime but I did manage to watch bits of it. I thought it was brilliant and I loved seeing how it all played out while Stacey was away. In particular the scenes with Ruby and Jean I really enjoyed."
Is Stacey pleased that Ruby got justice?
"Yes, I'm sure she is although I think she will always be looking over for her shoulder waiting for her to come back to Albert Square to get revenge when she gets out."
It's still top secret, but what was your reaction when you heard what Stacey’s bombshell was?
"I thought it was great. It's very Stacey; it's juicy and will be shocking for her family and audiences alike. I can't wait to see it play out on air! It was a very fun storyline to come back to and sink my teeth into."
How does Stacey feel to be back with her family?
"She feels absolutely relieved. I think family is the most important thing to her and to be back with Jean and the kids is the best feeling in the world."
How do you imagine prison went for her?
"I honestly don't think it would have been too bad for her. She was hellbent on getting out of there so she behaved herself and kept out of trouble. Plus, of course, she had Eve which would have been a nice comfort and support."
Martin reveals he still has feelings for Stacey this week, did that come as a surprise for Stacey?
"Yes, I think that would have been a huge shock for Stacey. There's obviously this big history between them but with everything that happened with Ruby, I really don't think she was expecting that."
Would you like to see a reunion for Stacey and Martin one day?
"I think they will always have something between them but there's a lot of damage done and it would take a lot to get over that but who knows. They definitely have a hold over each other so will see how it plays out. Stacey is feeling very hurt by Martin at the moment after everything that happened with Ruby."
We see some scenes with Kheerat and Stacey this week – do you think there is a spark there?
"There is definitely something between them. It's a strange one because you would never put them as a match but they had a one night stand a long time ago and I think there are some feelings that are still lingering. It will be interesting to see what happens! There is a bit of a war between the Slaters and the Panesars at the moment though so that will definitely make things a bit complicated. I don't think his mum is Stacey's biggest fan!"
Stacey is already up to trouble, breaking into the Panesars', do you think she's serious about getting her life together?
"I do. she really wants to get her life on track for her mum and for her kids but she is just so angry about the way Suki is treating her family! I mean she is leaving her children with no hot water, it's ridiculous. Nothing gets Stacey more riled up than when people mess with her family, so she'll do what she needs to do."
Will we see a new side to Stacey?
"No, I think Stacey is Stacey she won't change for anyone! She is a Slater through and through. That's what I love about her, she's very true to herself."
Eve is hot on Stacey’s heels and arrives in Walford this week, what can you tell us about her?
"Eve and Stacey became really close in prison, they shared a cell and came to know everything about each other. Eve is quite hot-headed but they get along like a house on fire. She made Stacey's time in prison a lot more bearable."
How has it been working with Heather Peace?
"It's been wicked, she's really great – we just clicked straight away which is always nice! We have a laugh on set which is also lovely. Stacey and Eve have a great chemistry so it's been fantastic to explore that with Heather. She's been great!"
Can you tease what's coming up now Stacey is back?
"Eve's arrival is causing a bit of trouble at home between Jean and Stacey. Jean thought she was going to have Stacey all to herself so it has caused a bit of tension between them as well as a few other people. Of course Eve managed to arrive and upset a few people straight away! It's been a blast though and I can't wait for everyone to watch it unfold!"
EastEnders airs on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays on BBC One.
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Deputy Soaps Editor
Sophie is an award-winning journalist with over a decade of experience as a writer. Previously at BT.com, where she had her own Reality TV column, Sophie joined the Digital Spy soaps team in 2013 and won the Unsung Hero of the Year award at the PPA Awards in 2022.
Over the years, she has written hundreds of articles about the Carters, the Dingles and even Wellard the dog, and has created a number of the site's video franchises. Sophie hosted Digital Spy's first ever podcast 'Soap Scoop' back in 2020, where she spoke to the likes of Alan Fletcher (aka Doctor Karl) and Lisa Riley, has been interviewed on on podcasts and live radio and has represented the company on the panel of the British Soap Awards.
